In BIG PICTURE NEWS, the markets show doubts, Japan raises interest rates to highest point in 30 years, the EU agrees a Ukraine loan, the ECB leaves rates unchanged, the BoE cuts and UK construction plans look shaky. In M&A AND IPO NEWS, Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader are set to merge, Trump wades into fusion and booksellers look to list in London. In TECH NEWS, China upgrades older ASML machines, the TikTok thing moves forward and Britons use AI for emotional support. In MISCELLANEOUS NEWS, we look at AI in the workplace, why junior lawyers' pay keeps rising despite the rise of AI, FRP Advisory expects increasing demand and Nike feels a China chill. AND FINALLY, I bring you some dad jokes to end the year with...